Monday, February 15, 2016

Okay, so he's definitely not perfect. All in all, though, I have to say I'm pretty pleased with this little guy! I haven't used my sewing machine in years ... so, yes, his stitches are awkward looking ... and his crocheted cap for his hair leaves much to be desired. But already he's got a little personality! I'm trying another first ... a tiny sweater knitted up just for him. Of course, he'll also get a little pair of pants!!!

I'm calling him "Bif" ... in fond remembrance of a Little Kiddle doll my sister gave me when I was about 6 years old.

Friday, February 5, 2016

There's a certain sound that some little children's toys have. It's not just a rattle. It's something much more ... it almost sounds like a sweet little chime. It's soft. It's delicate. It's musical. All in all, it's pretty wonderful!
For years, I've been listening to this little sound, wondering how it was made. Then, one day, I decided to do it. *Gulp* Yes. I would dissect a toy to find out what made that sound!!!

First: Here are a couple of little videos that demonstrate the sound:

This one is found in an owl that came with a play mat.

And this one is in a little duck.

All right. My curiosity got the better of me! I simply had to know what made this wonderful sound! I took a little rabbit toy (he was very obliging when I promised I would stitch him back up again) and, very carefully, I removed the stitches from the bottom.

After taking some of the stuffing out, this is what I found:

A little muslin bag ... and inside this bag was:

This small plastic tube, its end glued securely shut. I had to take a pliers and crush it to get it off!

Well ... inside this little tube was ... (drum roll, please):

Wait! What?? When I opened it ... I was amazed! No, SHOCKED! This weird little metal thing is what makes that beautiful sound?? It works kind of like a tee-tiny wind chime. The cotter pin with the flat head moves around when shaken, hitting the metal pins.

So ... the mystery is solved! Strangely, you can't seem to find these to purchase from sellers in the USA. I could only find sellers in Australia/New Zealand ... and from the manufacturer in China. I do think they could be made ... but that's a project for another day!

Please Don't Steal

I have shared photos and patterns of the projects I come up with for you to use, free of charge, but I ask that you do not post the photos or the patterns anywhere without my name and/or my permission. These projects are all intended for your own personal use only... not commercial or otherwise for sale!

Maggie Our Bearded Collie

About Me

I was a writer/columnist ... who became a stay-at-home mom ... who morphed into a homeschooling mom ... who took up knitting while waiting for my children at chess tournaments ... and caring for my elderly parents. I opened my online shop, http://www.thepatternbox.com in 2008. (Check it out for more of my designs!) Leisure Arts published "Storybook Dolls to Knit," my book of walkabout puppets, in 2011. My newest adventure: A grandson!